Erling Haaland follows Jack Grealish after leading Man City charge

Erling Haaland has been named Premier League player of the month for September

Erling Haaland has been named as the Premier League Player of the Month for September to give Man City an unlikely double.

The Blues technically claimed the prize in August, but even though it was won by their player Jack Grealish received the recognition for his start on loan at Everton. There can be no doubts about the boost Haaland gave City in September though, with five goals and an assist in their three games against United, Arsenal and Burnley to mean he had a hand in six of the nine they scored.

After an excellent start to the season, Haaland is racing away in the battle for the Golden Boot. He is on nine after seven games, three ahead of second-placed Antoine Semenyo and seven ahead of last year's winner Mohamed Salah.

Haaland moves up to joint-ninth in the list of the most player of the month awards after his fourth win in just over three years. Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane, and Salah top the chart with seven each.

“Now we just keep going — keep working hard every day, because there’s a tough schedule after the international break. Hopefully we can keep the same level and win even more games," he said.

“I’m really happy to win this award for a fourth time. It always means a lot, so thank you to everyone who voted for me.

"I also want to thank my teammates, the coaches and all the staff — we do everything together.

“September was an important month for us as a team. We played some really good football, stayed unbeaten, and got important wins for our fans. I’m happy I could help the team with goals and performances."

The Norwegian is hoping to bring his country one step closer to qualifying for the World Cup this weekend. A home game against Israel on Saturday represents a chance for Norway to claim at least a play-off place but after a perfect record in their opening five games they are gunning for more.

Currently three points ahead of Italy after a 3-0 win over them in June, Norway have home games against Israel this month and Estonia next before a trip to the San Siro to round off what they hope will be a triumphant campaign.

Haaland was not even been born the last time Norway reached a major tournament in 2000, while 1998 was the last time they reached the World Cup.

He is the current top scorer in the qualifying groups among European nations with nine goals from his five games.

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